Separator, transverse web and compartment bottom for energy guiding chains

ABSTRACT

Novel separators, transverse links and transverse bases or compartment bottoms for chain links of energy chains. The separator has a pivotable sidebar wherein the top portion and the bottom portion each have a holding clamp for interacting with the narrow sides of a transverse link, the top portion being connected to the first side bar and being detachable and/or pivotable together therewith. The transverse link has a row of teeth protruding at the narrow sides for interlocking with the separators, designed in a manner complementary thereto, and/or a cable-protecting protective layer on the inner face for protecting the guided cables.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to the field of energy guiding chainsfor the protected, dynamic guiding of lines such as cables, hoses andthe like. Energy guiding chains are typically constructed from pivotallyconnected chain links which have two side plates spaced apart in atransverse direction. In at least some of the chain links, these arestably connected to each other by two transverse webs and define aninner receiving space or guide channel for the lines.

The invention relates specifically to a so-called separator for theinternal division of an energy guiding chain. Such separators andso-called compartment bottoms serve to form a shelf-like internaldivision in the receiving space of the chain links. In this way, theinserted lines are guided in an orderly manner from chain link to chainlink in a longitudinal direction of the energy guiding chain, and thisorder is maintained during displacement. This reduces wear caused bymutual friction between the guided lines. The separators are used forvertical separation and can be used without compartment bottoms. Thecompartment bottoms (also called compartment shelves) are optionallyused for horizontal division. Separators are held on transverse webs.

The invention also relates to a transverse web for connecting sideplates, which is specially further developed for mounting and holdingseparators. Separators in turn hold the compartment shelves orcompartment bottoms. Furthermore, the invention also relates to such acompartment shelf or compartment bottom for internal partitioning.

BACKGROUND

Separators for holding compartment bottoms are usually plate-like indesign and have at least one, but usually several, through-openings(passage openings) for one compartment bottom each. Separators can befunctionally divided into the following sections: Top portion, bottomportion, first side bar, and second side bar, wherein the side barsdelimit the through-openings in the direction of the separator width andwherein the top portion and the bottom portion are each designed to beconnected to the transverse webs. This connection is intended to ensureat least stable holding against lateral tilting during operation, butcan also mean a fastening of the separator to the transverse web whichcan only be released with particular force.

To equip chain links with compartment bottoms, these must be insertedinto the through-openings of the separators. In the case of simplyconstructed separators, the compartment bottoms must be inserted intheir longitudinal direction through the through-openings of theseparators for this purpose. Subsequent modification of the internalpartitioning and/or line replacement from the lower partitioncompartments is thus usually only possible with considerable effort.

Separators are already known which can be easily and quickly fitted withcompartment bottoms or reconfigured. The closest prior art is consideredhere to be a separator according to the disclosure document DE 198 10960 A1. Here, each separator has a first side bar which can be detachedand/or swung open. Thus, a lateral access to the through-openings isreleased, for inserting or removing a compartment bottom perpendicularto its longitudinal extension. The top portion of the separatoraccording to DE 198 10 960 A1 has a recess between its broad sides,which partially accommodates the upper end of the hinged side bar tocounteract unwanted unfolding during operation. However, this designweakens the connection to the top portion of the separator. However,unintentional unfolding of the separator must also be prevented duringoperation if the assembled separator or the compartment bottoms attachedthereto are subjected to unusual forces in the longitudinal direction ofthe chain during operation, e.g. due to friction with a line not laid onthe neutral fiber, especially at the top end section of the separator.This can occur, for example, with heavy lines or in verticalapplications and can lead to the compartment bottom or the line exertinga sufficient force on the separator in the unfolding direction to openits side bar. However, the loosening of individual parts duringoperation of an energy guiding chain should always be avoided.

Separators, which can be detached in several parts and in some casesswung open, have already been proposed, for example, in DE 195 47 215A1, in DE 198 52 133 A1 or in DE 10 2017 117 089 A1.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is therefore anobject to propose a separator which allows a particularly simple andquick assembly of the compartment bottoms and yet ensures a stable holdof the compartment bottoms.

This is already achieved in a generic separator in that both the topportion and the bottom portion each have a holding clamp for cooperatingwith the narrow sides of the transverse web, so that the separator isheld securely on the transverse web at least in the longitudinaldirection of the energy guiding chain or in the direction of theseparator width. In this case, the top portion is captively connected inparticular to the first side bar, in particular manufactured integrallytherewith, and can be detached and/or swung open together with thelatter. The cooperation with the narrow sides of the transverse web canbe achieved, for example, by a retaining engagement of the oppositenarrow sides of a transverse web and/or by fastening, for example bylatching.

Due to the holding clamps on both sides, the separator is reliably heldbetween the transverse webs, and at the same time the holding clamp onthe top portion prevents unwanted unfolding during operation. Bothholding clamps secure or lock the separator between the transverse websin both directions perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of thetransverse webs. Thanks to the holding clamp on the top portion, thedetachable and/or pivotable side bar can only be opened when thetransverse web is removed from the top portion, i.e. at least thistransverse web is preferably designed as an opening transverse web.

The top portion with the first side bar can be pivoted relative to thebottom portion and the second side bar to facilitate compartment bottomassembly. An optional attachment of the holding clamp can secure theseparator along the longitudinal direction of the transverse web as wellas firmly attach it across the longitudinal direction of the transverseweb. A merely retaining holding clamp can, for example, be held by thenarrow sides in such a way that the separator is held captive only inthe transverse direction of the transverse web or in the longitudinaldirection of the chain. Optionally, the separator can be held on thetransverse webs so that it can be displaced in the longitudinaldirection of the transverse web or in the transverse direction of thechain link to make it easier to change the internal separation. However,the bottom portion of a separator is usually fastened to a transverseweb, e.g. positively or non-positively engaged, so that it does not comeloose when a transverse web is opened.

The term “retaining engagement” therefore refers to a connection betweenthe holding clamp of the separator and the transverse web which preventsthe separator from moving or coming loose in the width direction of thetransverse web or transversely to the latter.

Direct contact between the holding clamp and the transverse web is notrequired for retaining engagement. The top portion of a separator can,for example, engage in a retaining manner a detachable transverse web(so-called opening transverse web) to facilitate opening of the chainlink.

Preferably, the top portion and/or the first side bar can be connectedby positive locking to the bottom portion, a central region of theseparator and/or the second side bar. This allows quick assembly of theoptionally multi-part separator in the assembled state, in which the topportion, bottom portion and both side bars surround a central region ofthe separator.

In a preferred embodiment, the top portion and/or the first side bar maybe latchable to the second side bar when the separator is assembled tocounteract unintentional disengagement of the second side bar from thetop portion during operation. The latching can preferably be implementedby means of a latching notch at an end of the second side bar on the topportion side and a latching lug on the top portion, which is designed toengage in the latching notch.

The top portion preferably has a planar recess between its broad sides.A top-portion-side end of the central region in turn preferably has aprojection extending in a height direction of the separator forengagement in the recess, wherein in the assembled state of theseparator the projection is received in the recess, similar to atongue-and-groove connection, in order to stabilize the separatortransversely to the height direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the first side bar is made in one piece andin particular flexurally rigid with the top portion. An integral designof the pivotable part of the separator facilitates handling.

Preferably, the first side bar can be connected or is connected to thebottom portion by a hinge-like joint connection, in particular by apivot joint. The bearing receptacle of the joint is preferably formed onthe bottom portion. The joint part that fits into the bearingreceptacle, such as a pivot pin, can then be formed on the first sidebar. However, the first side bar can also be non-detachably connected tothe bottom portion, e.g. by a film hinge, and thus possibly also beformed integrally with the bottom portion.

The pivot axis of the joint connection preferably extendsperpendicularly to the width direction and height direction of theseparator, so that the first side bar can be pivoted open with the topportion laterally in the main plane of the separator.

Alternatively or additionally, the first side bar can be detachablyconnected to the bottom portion by a plug-in connection. In this case,the first side bar can be inserted into and removed from a plug-inreceptacle in the bottom portion along the height direction of theseparator together with the top portion. An end of the first side bar onthe bottom portion side can be manufactured as a kind of bending joint,made from a flexible material, in particular in one piece with the restof the first side bar. In this case, the first side bar may, forexample, have only limited pivotability relative to the bottom portionwhen it is inserted in the plug-in receptacle.

The central region of the separator with the through-openings maypreferably have projections in the form of tongues extending in thedirection of the separator width, which cooperate with correspondingpockets of the first side bar. Accordingly, the latter may have pocketsfor receiving the tongues, wherein the tongues act in the assembledstate of the separator in the manner of a tongue-and-groove connectionto stabilize the separator, in particular the first side bar, in thedirection transverse to the direction of the separator width.Conversely, it is also possible that the tongues are formed on the firstside bar and the corresponding pockets in the central region.

Each through-opening of the separator can have a latching cam on oneside for latching into a compartment bottom. This allows the position ofthe compartment bottom received in the through-opening to be fixed withregard to its longitudinal direction.

According to a further aspect independent of the foregoing, theinvention further relates to the further development of a transverse webfor a chain link of an energy guiding chain. Transverse webs typicallyserve to connect two mutually spaced-apart side plates of the chainlink.

A generic transverse web is of elongated design and can be connected toone of the side plates at each of its longitudinal ends in order todefine a space for lines. The transverse web can be designed as anopening transverse web, the connection of which to one or to both sideplates can be easily released, for example without tools. An openingtransverse web can be held pivotably on one or both side plates. Thetransverse web has two narrow sides extending in the longitudinaldirection of the transverse web or between the longitudinal ends of thetransverse web, which generically have a holding device for holdingseparators, in particular at least in such a way that, when the chainlink is closed, the bottom portion or top portion of a separator cannotbe displaced or separated in the longitudinal direction of the energyguiding chain.

Transverse webs are known whose narrow sides each have a grooveextending in the longitudinal direction for latching a separator ontothe transverse web. A bottom portion, for example, can be forcefullylatched onto this. A type of toothing on the transverse web has alsobeen proposed, e.g. in DE 10 2009 030 798 A1.

An object according to the second aspect of the invention is to simplifythe attachment of separators to the transverse webs or the opening of atransverse web designed as an opening link.

According to the invention, the holding device is designed on eachnarrow side as a row of teeth directly accessible on each narrow sidefor a positive connection with complementary separators. Individualteeth of the row of teeth project in the width direction, perpendicularto the length of the transverse web. In particular, each tooth can havea dimension in the height direction of the transverse web that is largerthan its dimension in the longitudinal direction of the transverse web.The teeth of the tooth row form the outer edge of the respective narrowside, so that the respective narrow side has a toothed outer contour.This makes it possible to attach and detach separators in the manner ofa simple plug-in connection particularly easily and quicklyperpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transverse web,optionally also with only a small amount of force, e.g. with onlylateral holding.

Each tooth preferably has a dimension in the height direction of thetransverse web or in the thickness direction of the transverse web thatis larger than a dimension of the tooth in the width direction of thetransverse web. This increases the stability of the teeth and the holderin the longitudinal direction.

The dimension of each tooth in the height direction of the transverseweb can preferably be at least 3 mm, particularly preferably at least 6mm. This allows stable holding of a separator on the transverse web,since an overlap area of the holding device of the separator with theteeth is sufficiently large.

The teeth and their gaps can be distributed alternately and evenly alongat least a major part of the longitudinal extension of the narrow sides.This allows flexible partitioning of the receiving space of the chainlink, since the separator can be used in different positions in thetransverse direction of the chain link. The teeth and tooth spaces mayeach have a rounded profile or contour in plan view along the heightdirection of the transverse web. This can reduce wear of the teeth andor the guided lines.

Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the invention relates to aseparator for a chain link of an energy guiding chain that matches theproposed transverse web. A typical separator is formed with a flatplate-like body, including a top portion and a bottom portion,respectively, for holding and/or attaching to the transverse webs.

According to the second aspect, the top portion and/or tie bottomportion each comprises a holding clamp for engaging a corresponding rowof teeth of a transverse web or a row of teeth on the respective narrowside of the transverse web, according to one of the embodimentsdescribed above regarding the second aspect.

In this case, the respective holding clamp has two opposing retainingextensions, each of which has at least one tooth projection at the endfor positive engagement in the row of teeth of the transverse web, sothat simple, smooth attachment of the separator to the transverse web ismade possible essentially parallel to die height direction of theseparator. The tooth projections of the two opposing retainingextensions can face each other and each project from the respectiveretaining extension in the direction of the opposing tooth projection.

The tooth projection can have an extension in the direction of theopposite tooth projection corresponding to the depth of the tooth gap.An extension of the tooth projection in the height direction of theseparator is preferably at least 3 mm. This permits robust attachment ofthe separator.

The separator further comprises a central portion between the top andbottom portions. In a preferred embodiment, both are designed to berelatively narrow, i.e. in particular the holding clamp protrudeslaterally only slightly, since latching is not provided according to thesecond aspect. In this regard, the holding clamp may be dimensioned suchthat it protrudes perpendicularly to the main plane of the separator oneach side by no more than 150%, preferably no more than R00%, of thematerial thickness in the central portion of the separator. A narrowdesign of the separator in the area of the holding clamp leaves morespace for the installation and maintenance of the guided lines.

In one embodiment, each of the retaining extensions has two toothprojections for positive engagement in two successive tooth spaces ofthe transverse web. Preferably, the end region of the retainingextensions is U-shaped in cross-section.

The invention further relates, according to a third independent aspect,also to a compartment bottom for a chain link of an energy guidingchain, wherein the chain link comprises two side plates spaced apartfrom each other and interconnected by two transverse webs and at leastone separator arranged between the transverse webs and having at leastone through-opening. The through-opening may have a latching cam on oneside for latching the compartment bottom. The compartment bottom isplate-like and elongated in shape and matches the outline of thethrough-opening in cross-section. The compartment bottom has, on a longnarrow side, a toothing for cooperating with the latching cam of thethrough-opening in order to secure the compartment bottom againstdisplacement in the longitudinal direction of the compartment bottom.

The compartment bottom according to the invention is characterized inthat on the opposite other long narrow side it has a recess, inparticular a groove, which is continuously toothless in the longitudinaldirection and in which the latching cam can be accommodated in alongitudinally displaceable manner, so that the compartment bottom canbe inserted by a 180° rotation either in a longitudinally displaceablemanner or with a latching effect with respect to the longitudinaldirection of the compartment bottom. In particular, the groove isdesigned to be planar on the inside, i.e. all inner walls of the groovehave a planar surface without teeth or other projections.

According to a fourth independent aspect, the invention also relates toa further development of known transverse webs to the effect that theyhold tie guided lines more gently in the receiving space. Generictransverse webs are intended for chain links of energy guiding chains,which have two side plates spaced apart from each other. In this case,the transverse web has an elongated main body made of plastic and afastening area at each of its longitudinal ends for fastening to one ofthe side plates in order to define the receiving space for lines.According to the fourth independent aspect of the invention, it isproposed that on the inner side of the main body, which is intended toface the receiving space, a line-protecting layer of a second plastic isprovided, which is selected to be different from tie plastic of the mainbody at least with respect to the composition, but in particular withrespect to the base material, e.g. the selected base polymer. Thissecond plastic may, for example, be a different thermoplastic and bebased on a different polymer than the first plastic of the transverseweb. While the main body may be made of typical polyamide, which may bereinforced or have additives, the additional line-protecting layer maybe made of a polyethylene or a polypropylene or the like. In particular,the second plastic can have a different hardness and/or stiffness thanthe first plastic, so that an abrasion-reducing effect is achieved toprotect the guided lines. Optionally, it may be more soft-elastic or,preferably, harder than the first plastic. In addition, theline-protecting layer can form an edge protector which covers anddefuses interfering edges of the main body.

Such a transverse web can be produced, for example, using suitabletwo-component (2K) injection molding technology, or, for example, bysubsequently extrusion-coating the second plastic onto a separatelyproduced main body.

For the most complete possible protection of the lines, one exemplaryembodiment provides for the line-protecting layer to extend continuouslyin the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal ends or fasteningareas and in the width direction from one narrow side to the othernarrow side, thus covering the inside of the main body essentiallycompletely. The material thickness of the additional line-protectinglayer can be significantly less than that of the main body, which formsthe actual structural component.

The invention also relates to a chain link for an energy guiding chain,comprising two side plates which are connected to one another bytransverse webs and can be pivotably connected to side plates of furtherchain links in a longitudinal direction, wherein the chain linkcomprises at least one separator according to one of the embodimentsdescribed above and/or at least one transverse web according to one ofthe embodiments described above and/or a compartment bottom of one ofthe embodiments described above.

The invention also relates to an energy guiding chain for dynamicallyguiding lines, such as cables and/or hoses, comprising at least one suchchain link.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details, features and advantages of the invention can be foundin the following, more detailed description of preferred exemplaryembodiments based on the accompanying figures. These show purely by wayof example:

FIG. 1: shows a cross-section of a chain link of a purely exemplaryenergy guiding chain equipped with lines and an internal separation;

FIGS. 2A-2B: show an exemplary embodiment of a separator according tothe invention in a side view (FIG. 2A) of the assembled state, and in alongitudinal section parallel to the main plane of the separator (FIG.2B);

FIGS. 3A-3B: show a partial view of a chain link according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention in perspective (FIG. 3A) and incross-section through the main plane of the compartment bottom (FIG.3B);

FIG. 4: shows another exemplary embodiment of a separator and transverseweb according to the invention in partial view from below;

FIG. 5: shows a further exemplary embodiment of a separator according tothe invention in a side view; and

FIG. 6: shows another exemplary embodiment of a transverse web oropening transverse web according to the invention in front view of anarrow side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates, in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of an energy guiding chain 1 through a chain link 10, anexemplary internal structure of the energy guiding chain 1 for activelyguiding lines, such as cables 17 and hoses 16. The energy guiding chain1 is composed of a plurality of chain links 10 pivotably connected toone another in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1. Thechain links 10 in this case also consist of individual parts and have atleast two side plates 11. The chain links 10 also consist here ofindividual parts and have at least two side plates 11. In the case ofeach or, for example, every second chain link 10, the side plates 11 arefirmly connected by two parallel, identical transverse webs 12 to form astable framework and are kept at a distance in the transverse directionof the energy guiding chain 1 and parallel. For this purpose, thetransverse webs 12 are detachably fastened to the side plates 11 bymeans of end-side fastening areas, for example by means of clampingreceptacles on horns (not shown) of the side plates 11. The side plates11 and transverse webs 12 delimit a receiving space 14 for the lines 16,17. The structure of an energy guiding chain 1 is known and can bearbitrary, e.g. with cranked side plates or alternating inner and outerbars as side plates 11. In particular, two-piece chain links are alsopossible, in which the two side plates 11 and one transverse web 12 aremanufactured from one piece, i.e. in one piece, and only the othertransverse web 12 is detachable (not shown).

For internal partitioning, it is known, as shown by way of example inFIG. 1, to provide horizontal compartment bottoms 18 for dividing theheight H of the receiving space 14 and vertical separators 20 fordividing the width B of the receiving space 14. The separators 20 havetwo end regions in the direction of the height H, a top portion 22 and abottom portion 24, and can be fastened at least at one of the endregions, for example at the bottom portion 24, to the narrow sides 23 ofthe transverse webs 12 at a selectable position in the direction of thewidth B of the receiving space 14 or in the direction of the length ofthe transverse web 12, for example by a latching connection. In anycase, the transverse webs 12 are secured in the longitudinal directionof the energy guiding chain 1 or in the direction of the width of thetransverse web. The compartment bottoms 18 are each provided inhorizontally continuous through-openings 32 (as can be seen in FIGS.2A-2B), which are provided on the separators 20 in accordance with apredetermined grid and are to be mounted in selectable steps of heightH. FIG. 1 here shows insertable shelves as compartment bottoms 18 whichare almost completely continuous over the width B. Shorter shelves whichdivide only part of the width B are also possible. The separators 20 areof plate-like or flat design and extend with their main plane orlongitudinal direction parallel to the side plates 11. The compartmentbottoms 18 are also of plate-like design and extend parallel to thetransverse webs 12. For each chain link 10 with transverse webs 12, asimilar internal division of the receiving space 14 should be made forthe benefit of the lines 16, 17. Separators 20 and compartment bottoms18 should thus be provided at regular intervals and in identicalarrangement on every n^(th) chain link 10, in order to divide thereceiving space 14 into constant compartments 19 for the orderly andbetter protected guidance of the cables 16, 17. FIGS. 2A,B show anexemplary embodiment of a separator 20 according to the first aspect ofthe invention in side view in the assembled state of the separator 20(FIG. 2A), and in longitudinal section of the assembled state (FIG. 2B).The separator 20 has a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24 each forconnecting to a transverse web. The separator 20 further comprises afirst and a second side bar 26, 28, and a central region 30 bounded bythe top portion 22, the bottom portion 24, the first side bar 26, andthe second side bar 28. The separator 20 has a plurality ofthrough-openings 32 in its central region 30, in this case, for example,three through-openings 32 for accommodating compartment bottoms 18. InFIG. 2B, for example, an accommodated compartment bottom 18 is shown.

In FIGS. 2A-2B, the first side bar 26 is manufactured in one piece withthe top portion 22. The second side bar 28 is manufactured, e.g. also asan injection molded part, in one piece with the bottom portion 24 andthe central region 30. The first side bar 26 is connected to the bottomportion 24 by a hinge-like articulated connection, which is formed as apivot joint 40. For this purpose, the bottom portion 24 has a bearingreceptacle of the pivot joint 40, and the bottom-portion-side end of thefirst side bar 26 comprises the matching pivot pin. The separator 20 isassembled from, in this example, two separately manufactured components(Lop portion 22 with the first side bar 26 on the one hand and bottomportion 24 with the second side bar 28 and the central region 30 on theother hand) by inserting the pivot bolt into the bearing receptacle, forexample in the manner of a latching connection. In FIGS. 2A-2B, thefirst side bar 26 is pivotally mounted to the bottom portion 24 togetherwith the top portion 22. Here, the pivot axis of the pivot joint 40extends perpendicularly to the main plane of the separator 20 (planeshown in FIG. 2B).

Each through-opening 32 has an elongated oval outline, with main axis inthe direction of the separator width, matching the cross-section of thecompartment bottoms 18. For simplified mounting of a compartment bottom18 transversely to its longitudinal direction or in the longitudinaldirection of the chain, each through-opening 32 has its own respectiveinsertion opening 33 opening into it, which can be closed by thepivotable first side plate 24 (as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B).

The separator 20 can thus be opened or unfolded by pivoting the firstside bar 26 together with the top portion 22 in the main plane. Theseparator 20 is thereby unfolded along the parting line 36. The partingline 36 extends here at the upper edge of the central region 30perpendicular to the height direction of the separator 20, stating fromthe second side bar 28 and then perpendicularly towards the bottomportion 24, and thereby laterally through the end regions of thethrough-openings 32. In the unfolded state of the separator 20, thethrough-openings 32 are thus accessible through the associated insertionopenings 33, i.e. one can easily mount and dismount the compartmentbottoms 18 through the insertion openings 33.

The separator 20 is secured and/or latched in the closed state bypositive locking. For this purpose, the top portion 22 has, among otherthings, a latching lug 222 and the second side bar 28 has, at its topportion end, a latching notch 282 that matches the latching lug 222,wherein the latching lug 222 is configured to engage the latching notch282. Thus, the top portion 22 and the second side bar 28 can latch intoeach other. The separator 20 includes a number of other form-fittingmeans with which it is reinforced when assembled. For example, atop-portion-side end of the central region 30 has a thin projection 302extending in a height direction of the separator 20, with a smallermaterial thickness than the body of the central region 30. The topportion 22 forms a recess 224 between its broad sides, and theprojection 302 is accommodated in the recess 224 when the separator 20is assembled and stabilizes the two-part separator 20 transversely ofits main plane in the manner of a tongue-and-groove joint.

The central region 30 further includes similarly thin tongues 304extending in the direction of the separator width. The first side bar 26has matching pockets 262 for receiving the tongues 304, and when thetongues 304 are accommodated therein in the assembled state of theseparator 20, this further stabilizes the separator 20.

Furthermore, each through-opening 32 comprises a latching cam 38 forlatching a compartment bottom 18 (according to the third aspect). Thelatching cam 38 is formed as a projection on the major axis of thethrough-opening 32 relative to the insertion opening 33.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the top and bottom portions 22,24 are identically configured for attachment to the transverse webs 12.They each have a holding clamp 34 that engages the narrow sides 23 ofthe transverse web 12 so that the separator 20 is secured in thelongitudinal direction of the transverse web 12.

FIGS. 3A-3B show, particularly according to the second aspect, anotherexemplary embodiment of the separator 320 comprising a top portion 322,a bottom portion 324 and a central portion 360 between the top andbottom portions 322, 324. Here, the holding clamps 334 on the top andbottom portions 322, 324 are configured identically to each other. AsFIG. 3A shows, the separator 320 is inserted between two identicaltransverse webs 312, with the holding clamps 334 holding on the narrowsides 323 of the transverse webs.

Each transverse web 312 is elongated and plate-like in design and has atooth strip or strip-like row of teeth 340 on each of its two longernarrow sides 323, which are designed to form a positive connection withthe separators 320 which are designed in a complementary manner.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the outer contour of each of the narrow sides323 forms a row of teeth 340 with teeth 341 projecting outwardly in thewidthwise direction of the transverse web 312 and spaced apart by toothgaps 342. A plurality of identically shaped teeth 341 and tooth gaps 342are provided alternately and uniformly distributed along a major portionof the longitudinal extension of the narrow sides 323. The teeth 341 andtooth gaps 342 each have a rounded profile on the face side. Each tooth341 has a dimension in the height direction of the transverse web 312that is greater than its dimension in the longitudinal direction of thetransverse web 312, and is, for example, 7 mm. This dimension of thetooth 341 in the height direction of the transverse web 312 is alsolarger than the dimension of the tooth in the width direction of thetransverse web 312. Thus, a smooth-running and at the same timetilt-resistant plug-in connection is achieved.

The holding clamp 334 has two opposing retaining extensions 350 in thedirection of the separator width, which are designed to be complementaryto the rows of teeth 340 for retention on the narrow sides 323 of atransverse web 312. The distance between the retaining extensions 350 ofa holding clamp 334 corresponds to the width of the transverse web 312.In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the retaining extensions 350each have a pair of tooth projections 351. The tooth projections 351 aredesigned for positive insertion into the tooth strip or row of teeth340, in this case into two successive tooth gaps 342 in each case. Theend region of the retaining extension 350 is here, for example, U-shapedin cross-section.

The dimension of the tooth projections 351 in the direction of theseparator width corresponds to the depth of the tooth gaps 342. Thedimension of the tooth projections 351 in the height direction of theseparator 320 is, for example, approximately 5 mm in the illustratedexemplary embodiment.

The top portion 322 and the bottom portion 324, in particular theirholding clamp 334, can be designed in a very narrow manner thanks to theproposed plug-in connection and protrude, for example, perpendicularlyto the main plane of the separator 320. i.e. in the direction of theseparator thickness, on each side by only about 25% of the materialthickness in the central portion 360 of the separator 320.

FIGS. 3A-3B further show a compartment bottom 318, which is ofplate-like design and formed in cross-section to match thethrough-opening 32. On one of its long narrow sides 317, the compartmentbottom 318 has a toothing 327 for cooperating with the latching cam 38of the through-opening 32. On the opposite long narrow side 319, arecess free of toothing throughout in the longitudinal direction isprovided, for example, a groove 329 with the same cross-sectionthroughout. Depending on the orientation of the compartment bottom, thelatching cam 38 of the separator 320 may be received in the groove 329in a longitudinally displaceable manner or may be locked by means of tietoothing 327 (as shown in FIG. 3B). Thus, the compartment bottom 318 mayoptionally be inserted into the through-opening 32 in the reverseorientation so that the latching cam 38 does not provide a lockingaction due to the groove 329 passing therethrough. In this case, thecompartment bottom 318 can be moved perpendicularly to the main plane ofthe separator 320.

FIG. 5 shows a separator 520 according to another exemplary embodiment,without through-openings for compartment bottoms. The separator 520 hasa holding clamp 534 at each of its top and bottom portions 522, 524 forretaining on a transverse web 312 by means of retaining extensions 550.The retaining extensions 550 each have tooth projections 551 at the endsfor positive engagement in a row of teeth 340. The separator 520 can beplaced vertically on a suitable transverse web, for example according toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, and released therefrom without tools and in atime-saving manner. The design of the tooth projections 551 correspondsto FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows, in side view of the narrow sides, a further development ofthe transverse web 612 of FIGS. 3A-3B which also has the two toothstrips for a separator 320. In the case of the transverse web 612, theelongated main body 625, like the transverse web 312, is made of a firstplastic material, e.g. a reinforced polyamide, to provide robustfastening regions 661A, 661B at each of its longitudinal ends, by meansof which the transverse web 612 is connected to the side plates 11.However, at the inner side 662 of the main body 625 shown in FIG. 6above, which is intended to face the receiving space 14 (cf. FIG. 1),the transverse web 612 comprises a line-protecting layer 665 made of asecond plastic material different from the plastic material of the mainbody 625 and specifically selected to protect the lines. The transverseweb 612 may be manufactured, for example, as a 2K injection-molded part.The line-protecting layer 665 covers the entire surface of the main body625 in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal ends and inthe width direction from one narrow side 623 to the other narrow side,so that only the toothing on the end face projects outwardly (FIGS.3A-3B).

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

FIG. 1:

-   1 Energy guiding chain-   2 Chain link-   11 Side plate-   12 Transverse web-   14 Receiving space-   16 Hoses-   17 Cables-   18 Compartment bottom-   19 Compartments of the receiving space-   20 Separator-   22 Top portion of the separator-   23 Narrow side of the transverse web-   24 Bottom portion of the separator-   H Height of the receiving space-   B Width of the receiving space

FIGS. 2A, B:

-   Separator-   22 Top portion-   222 Latching lug-   224 Recess-   24 Bottom portion-   26 First side bar-   262 Pockets-   28 Second side bar-   282 Latching notch-   30 Central region-   302 Projection-   304 Tongues-   32 Through-opening-   33 Insertion opening-   34 Holding clamp-   36 Parting line-   38 Latching cams-   Pivot joint

FIGS. 3A, B:

-   312 Transverse web-   317, 319 Long narrow sides of the compartment bottom-   318 Compartment bottom-   320 Separator-   322 Top portion of the separator-   323 Narrow side of the transverse web-   324 Bottom portion of the separator-   327 Toothing on the compartment bottom-   329 Groove on compartment bottom-   334 Holding clamp-   340 Row of teeth-   350 Retaining extension-   351 Tooth projection-   360 Central portion of the separator

FIG. 4:

-   341 Tooth-   342 Tooth gap

FIG. 5:

-   520 Separator-   522 Top portion-   524 Bottom portion-   534 Holding clamp-   550 Retaining extension-   551 Tooth projection-   560 Central portion

FIG. 6:

-   612 Transverse web-   623 Narrow side-   625 Main body-   665 Protective layer-   661A, 661B Fastening region

What is claimed is: 1-22. (canceled)
 23. A separator for a chain link ofan energy guiding chain, wherein the chain link has two side plateswhich are spaced apart from one another and are connected to one anotherby two transverse webs and which define a receiving space for one ormore lines, the separator comprising: the separator configured in amanner of a plate having a plurality of through-openings and having atop portion, a bottom portion, a first side bar, and a second side bar,wherein the first and second side bars delimit the plurality ofthrough-openings in a width direction of the separator, wherein thefirst side bar is detachable and/or pivotable to provide access to theplurality of through-openings such that a compartment bottom isinsertable into or removable from each one of the plurality ofthrough-openings, respectively, wherein the top portion and the bottomportion are each configured to attach to one of the transverse webs,respectively, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion each have aholding clamp to interact with narrow sides of one of the transversewebs, respectively, and wherein the top portion is connected to thefirst side bar and is detachable and/or pivotable together with thefirst side bar.
 24. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the topportion and/or the first side bar are/is connectable by positive lockingto the bottom portion and/or the second side bar and/or a central regionof the separator.
 25. The separator according to claim 23, wherein thetop portion and/or the first side bar are/is latchable to the secondside bar.
 26. The separator according to claim 25, wherein the topportion and/or the first side bar are/is latchable to the second sidebar by a latching notch at a top-portion-side end of the second sidebar, and a latching lug on the top portion configured to engage thelatching notch.
 27. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the topportion has broad sides and a planar recess is between the broad sides,and wherein the separator has a central region, and a top-portion-sideend of the central region has a projection extending in a heightdirection of the separator to engage the recess.
 28. The separatoraccording to claim 23, wherein the first side bar is manufactured in onepiece with the top portion.
 29. The separator according to claim 23,wherein the first side bar is connectable to the bottom portion by ahinge-like articulated connection.
 30. The separator according to claim29, wherein the articulated connection comprises a pivot joint, andwherein a bearing receptacle is formed on the bottom portion.
 31. Theseparator according to claim 29, wherein a pivot axis of the articulatedconnection extends perpendicularly to the width direction of theseparator and perpendicularly to a height direction of the separator.32. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the separator has acentral region, and the central region comprises a plurality of tonguesextending in the width direction of the separator, and wherein the firstside bar comprises a plurality of pockets to receive the plurality oftongues.
 33. The separator according to claim 23, wherein eachthrough-opening of the plurality of through-openings comprises alatching cam on one side to latch the respective compartment bottom. 34.A transverse web for a chain link of an energy guiding chain, whereinthe chain link has two side plates which are spaced apart from eachother, the transverse web comprising: the transverse web havinglongitudinal ends and being connectable at each of the longitudinal endsto a respective one of the side plates to define a receiving space forone or more lines, wherein the transverse web has two narrow sidesextending in a longitudinal direction of the transverse web, the narrowsides having a holding device to retain one or more separators, whereineach holding device comprises a respective row of teeth on therespective narrow side to form a positive connection to the one or moreseparators, wherein the one or more separators each have a complementarydesign to form the positive connection, wherein each tooth of the row ofteeth projects in a width direction of the transverse web, and whereineach tooth of the row of teeth has a dimension in a height direction ofthe transverse web which is greater than a dimension of the tooth in alongitudinal direction of the transverse web.
 35. The transverse webaccording to claim 34, wherein each tooth of the row of teeth has adimension in the height direction of the transverse web which is greaterthan a dimension of the tooth in the width direction of the transverseweb.
 36. The transverse web according to claim 34, wherein the dimensionof the tooth in the height direction of the transverse web is at least 3mm.
 37. The transverse web according to claim 34, wherein the teeth arespaced apart by tooth gaps and the teeth and tooth gaps are alternatelyand uniformly distributed along at least a major portion of alongitudinal extension of the narrow sides and/or have a roundedprofile.
 38. A separator for a chain link of an energy guiding chain,wherein the chain link has two side plates which are spaced apart fromone another and are connected to one another by two transverse webs andwhich define a receiving space for one or more lines, the separatorcomprising: the separator being of plate-like design and having a topportion and a bottom portion to hold and/or fasten to the transversewebs, wherein the top portion and/or the bottom portion each comprise aholding clamp to engage in a row of teeth of one of the two transversewebs, wherein the respective holding clamp comprises two oppositeretaining extensions which each have at least one tooth projection topositively engage in the row of teeth of the transverse web, and whereinthe tooth projections of the two opposite retaining extensions face oneanother and project from the retaining extension in a direction of theopposite tooth projection.
 39. The separator according to claim 38,wherein the tooth projections each comprise an extension in thedirection toward the opposite tooth projection that corresponds to adepth of a tooth gap and has an extension in a height direction of theseparator that is at least 3 mm.
 40. The separator according to claim38, wherein the separator comprises a central portion between the topand bottom portions, wherein the holding clamp protrudes perpendicularlyto a main plane of the separator to each side by not more than 150% of athickness in the central portion of the separator.
 41. The separatoraccording to claim 38, wherein each of the retaining extensionscomprises two tooth projections to positively engage in two successivetooth gaps of the transverse web.
 42. The separator according to claim41, wherein each of the retaining extensions is U-shaped incross-section.
 43. A compartment bottom for a chain link of an energyguiding chain, wherein the chain link has two side plates which arespaced apart from one another and are connected to one another by twotransverse webs and at least one separator arranged between thetransverse webs and having at least one through-opening, wherein thethrough-opening has a latching cam on one side to latch the compartmentbottom, the compartment bottom comprising: the compartment bottom beingof plate-like design and formed in cross-section to match thethrough-opening, wherein the compartment bottom has a toothing on a longnarrow side to interact with the latching cam of the through-opening,wherein the compartment bottom has a recess on an opposite other longnarrow side, a recess which is continuously toothless in a longitudinaldirection and in which the latching cam is accommodatable in alongitudinally displaceable manner.
 44. A transverse web for a chainlink of an energy guiding chain, wherein the chain link has two sideplates which are spaced apart from one another, the transverse webcomprising: an elongated main body made of plastic and havinglongitudinal ends, wherein each of the longitudinal ends has a fasteningregion by which such is connectable to one of the side plates to definea receiving space for one or more lines, wherein a line-protecting layermade of a second plastic which is different from the plastic of the mainbody is provided on an inner side of the main body which faces thereceiving space.
 45. The transverse web according to claim 44, whereinthe transverse web has two narrow sides extending in a longitudinaldirection of the transverse web, wherein each narrow side of the narrowsides has a holding device to retain one or more separators, and whereinthe line-protecting layer extends in the longitudinal direction betweenthe longitudinal ends and in a width direction from the one narrow sideto the other narrow side and covers the inner side of the main body.